Oh, and I’d be remiss, wouldn’t I, if I didn’t include the video of my appearance on Versus’ Hockey Central, talking about the old Avs-Wings rivalry days with Darren McCarty and Keith Jones. Yes, I would be remiss:

I’ll admit to being a bit shocked at the final shot totals – 38-28 for the visitors. It always seems to be the reverse here, and quite a lot worse in the reverse. And there were too many times tonight where I heard that “OOOOOOOhhhhhhh” from fans, meaning a goal had almost just scored by the Wings.

But the numbers were the numbers. I thought the Avs had the puck on the stick more than usual against Detroit, with the loss of Brian Rafalski probably having something to do with that.

The special teams were still a bad joke tonight, but overall it was a fine, scrappy showing by the visitors, and fact is, they did deserve to get the extra point.

Peter Budaj was not brilliant in net – until the shootout. But that counts for a lot, so the good son gets rewarded.
Here is some video of Boods talking about his night:

And some time with Joe Sacco, his views on the game and his goaltending situation going forward:

I like the Wings’ team a lot – an awful lot. But I just don’t see these 35 to 40-year-old guys outplaying much younger teams come April and May. It’s easy for an older team to look good in the first five games of a season, but not so easy in the final five and then the playoffs.

It was a fun time overall tonight, though. I hung out with two older deans of the hockey writing business, Kevin Allen and Pierre LeBrun, and we all told a few stories.

On to New York tomorrow. I haven’t covered a game at Madison Square Garden since 1997, so looking forward to that. And I make my first drive to the Jersey Shore one night, just to see it. My wife and son might want me to run into Snooki on the Shore. I’m hoping for something more along the lines of Bruce Springsteen.

Good game from David Jones. He told in the post that he thinks I didn’t lose speed due to the knee injury and I believe it too. I am from France where Rugby is very popular and where knee injuries often happen due to the tackles. 2 years ago the two starting wingers of my favorite team had an ACL. After a successful surgery and 6-8 months of great rehab, they were back on the pitch with the strength and probably 99% of the speed they had before. So I am sure Jones will be great again too!

Hibouxbtz

Good game from David Jones. He told in the post that he thinks I didn’t lose speed due to the knee injury and I believe it too. I am from France where Rugby is very popular and where knee injuries often happen due to the tackles. 2 years ago the two starting wingers of my favorite team had an ACL. After a successful surgery and 6-8 months of great rehab, they were back on the pitch with the strength and probably 99% of the speed they had before. So I am sure Jones will be great again too!

Ronin Jack

Is it just me or was the Vesus play by play guy rooting for the Wings? He was clearly more excited on his calls for the 2nd Franzen goal and Eaves shorty, goals that could have been game winners for the Wings, and he was fairly subdued when Yip scored in the shootout.

Anonymous

Get used to it. National press usually are not very pro Avs.

jimbo

I think you hear what you expect to hear. I heard them get pretty dang excited for Winnick’s goal, as well as Jones’ second one that tied it late.

Ronin Jack

The tone and inflection was clearly more amped on Detroit’s 3rd and 4th goals. I have no expectations and I hear what I hear. I could just as easily say your not hearing it because preconceived notions you have that any complaint of broadcaster bias is a result of listener bias.

Anonymous

Yep. VS is usually pro-Wings, Pens, and Caps. They always “play up” the best teams.

Ronin Jack

Is it just me or was the Vesus play by play guy rooting for the Wings? He was clearly more excited on his calls for the 2nd Franzen goal and Eaves shorty, goals that could have been game winners for the Wings, and he was fairly subdued when Yip scored in the shootout.

Anonymous

Get used to it. National press usually are not very pro Avs.

Anonymous

Get used to it. National press usually are not very pro Avs.

jimbo

I think you hear what you expect to hear. I heard them get pretty dang excited for Winnick’s goal, as well as Jones’ second one that tied it late.

Ronin Jack

The tone and inflection was clearly more amped on Detroit’s 3rd and 4th goals. I have no expectations and I hear what I hear. I could just as easily say your not hearing it because preconceived notions you have that any complaint of broadcaster bias is a result of listener bias.

Ronin Jack

The tone and inflection was clearly more amped on Detroit’s 3rd and 4th goals. I have no expectations and I hear what I hear. I could just as easily say your not hearing it because preconceived notions you have that any complaint of broadcaster bias is a result of listener bias.

jimbo

I think you hear what you expect to hear. I heard them get pretty dang excited for Winnick’s goal, as well as Jones’ second one that tied it late.

Anonymous

Yep. VS is usually pro-Wings, Pens, and Caps. They always “play up” the best teams.

Anonymous

Yep. VS is usually pro-Wings, Pens, and Caps. They always “play up” the best teams.

Anonymous

Mr. Glass surprised me with his 2 goals tonight….let’s hope he keeps it up and can stay healthy, and off the IR…

Anonymous

Mr. Glass surprised me with his 2 goals tonight….let’s hope he keeps it up and can stay healthy, and off the IR…

Anonymous

Mr. Glass surprised me with his 2 goals tonight….let’s hope he keeps it up and can stay healthy, and off the IR…

Anonymous

I was there. Another short handed goal against was very disappointing but the team kept on the attack all night. Jonesy certainly seemed to have a better game. I was impressed by Radar and Yip also. If they can just work on defense a little more, improve special teams, and stay out of the sin bin as they did for most of tonight, they will be near the top.

Anonymous

I was there. Another short handed goal against was very disappointing but the team kept on the attack all night. Jonesy certainly seemed to have a better game. I was impressed by Radar and Yip also. If they can just work on defense a little more, improve special teams, and stay out of the sin bin as they did for most of tonight, they will be near the top.

myopiniontoo

Great game, I have to agree with Ronin Jack, the commentator was clearly rooting for the Wings, right down to the comments about how it was good to see the Wings get away with a number of interference calls, calling a ‘bump’ by Cuminsky a cross check, and so on….as annoying as those kinds of comments are though, it really does matter…the right team won.

myopiniontoo

Great game, I have to agree with Ronin Jack, the commentator was clearly rooting for the Wings, right down to the comments about how it was good to see the Wings get away with a number of interference calls, calling a ‘bump’ by Cuminsky a cross check, and so on….as annoying as those kinds of comments are though, it really does matter…the right team won.

myopiniontoo

Great game, I have to agree with Ronin Jack, the commentator was clearly rooting for the Wings, right down to the comments about how it was good to see the Wings get away with a number of interference calls, calling a ‘bump’ by Cuminsky a cross check, and so on….as annoying as those kinds of comments are though, it really does matter…the right team won.

myopiniontoo

Great game, I have to agree with Ronin Jack, the commentator was clearly rooting for the Wings, right down to the comments about how it was good to see the Wings get away with a number of interference calls, calling a ‘bump’ by Cuminsky a cross check, and so on….as annoying as those kinds of comments are though, it really does matter…the right team won.

toddb3

Great effort (PP aside), well deserving of the extra point. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask…If, by some chance, detroit had walked away with the shootout win, would they have deserved that extra point in a game where they were outplayed? That happens all too often, which is why they need to get rid of the stupid shootout. If you need thrills that bad, go to a carnival.

jimbo

You really thought Detroit was outplayed in that game? I saw Detroit owning the puck for large chunks of time. Avs took advantage of Wings mistakes but it’s not as if they dominated the game. Pretty even if you ask me, and ending in a tie would have been appropriate.

toddb3

Maybe I’m just comparing it to every other time they play when the Avs are badly outshot and outchanced. Other than the OT though, yeah, I thought the Avs outplayed them.

toddb3

Great effort (PP aside), well deserving of the extra point. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask…If, by some chance, detroit had walked away with the shootout win, would they have deserved that extra point in a game where they were outplayed? That happens all too often, which is why they need to get rid of the stupid shootout. If you need thrills that bad, go to a carnival.

jimbo

You really thought Detroit was outplayed in that game? I saw Detroit owning the puck for large chunks of time. Avs took advantage of Wings mistakes but it’s not as if they dominated the game. Pretty even if you ask me, and ending in a tie would have been appropriate.

toddb3

Maybe I’m just comparing it to every other time they play when the Avs are badly outshot and outchanced. Other than the OT though, yeah, I thought the Avs outplayed them.

toddb3

Maybe I’m just comparing it to every other time they play when the Avs are badly outshot and outchanced. Other than the OT though, yeah, I thought the Avs outplayed them.

jimbo

You really thought Detroit was outplayed in that game? I saw Detroit owning the puck for large chunks of time. Avs took advantage of Wings mistakes but it’s not as if they dominated the game. Pretty even if you ask me, and ending in a tie would have been appropriate.

toddb3

Great effort (PP aside), well deserving of the extra point. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask…If, by some chance, detroit had walked away with the shootout win, would they have deserved that extra point in a game where they were outplayed? That happens all too often, which is why they need to get rid of the stupid shootout. If you need thrills that bad, go to a carnival.

Bill

Can the league start thinking about giving some leverage to teams for obvious missed calls instead of thinking about putting one face-off dot in each zone down the middle for example (I can’t believe someone actually thought this one up).

Seeing the Avs being called for a penalty as Wilson’s is bleeding all over the ice is just frustrating. They want players to be accountable for their sticks ALL of the time, even when falling down and glazing someones chin, then go all the way, and check replays when blood is invovled.

Anyways, congrats to Budaj. Not a great win, but still a win.

puckchuck

Not a great win? Down 3 times in Detroit and come back to win in the shoot out on national TV. What is a great win if this is not? The only down side to this game was having to see the ugly mug of the mindless McCarty shed his “commentary”. The entire broadcast truly did seem like a tribute to the Wings.

Bill

A great win would have been by a 2 to 3 goal margin, with only 1 to 2 goals against. But can’t argue that it was an important win giving all the circumstances. As for the broadcast, the wings are riding on their past success, and until they have a couple of mediocre seasons, things will stay this way. They better hope Howard is the real deal if they want to make it last some more.

Guest

Now we’re going to criticize the team for not winning BY ENOUGH goals? Good grief.

Bill

I’m not criticizing, just saying it wasn’t a GREAT win in my opinion. They battled back and never gave up, THAT was great. But you can’t rely on scoring 5 goals a game to win, their goals against must drop.

Smell the Glove

I think on some level it was a tribute to the Wings, but also the history of these two teams.

It’s a little tough for an Avs fan to watch when a broadcast plays up the past of the Wings but they’ve got McCarty on the panel, Maltby retiring and The Rivalry as the storyline- in the oldest arena in the league.

The fact that the Wings have been Stanley Cup contenders (and winners) for the last decade and a very pro Red Wings broadcast only makes me prouder as an Avs fan that we came out on top.

The Avs will get their name in the discussion if they keep playing like that.

jimbo

Jones is on that panel too, folks, and he played in Colorado right in the midst of the fiercest part of that rivalry. It’s not as if it’s all Wings, all the time. I did think they played up Maltby’s retirement a bit much, but considering it happened that very day, I guess it makes sense.

Smell the Glove

Just to clarify, I didn’t mind it. I mean, like it or not they earned it.

Maltby earned it too

jimbo

Understood. I meant to respond generally, sorry if it seemed I was responding directly to you there, StG.

I think it’s a two-part thing… the broadcasts are going to be geared a bit towards the team assumed to be the one drawing the audience, and Avs fans are probably over-sensitive to perceived slights of their team, especially when Detroit’s the opponent.

I don’t think it’s a big deal… and I like McCarty, he’s not your typical commentator trying to be something he’s not (other than a guy who wears a suit, that is).

Icewors77

Jones finished with the Phillies and he hasn’t been very pro-avs since he came to versus. he has certainly talked up the flyers, though…..

Guest

Can the league start thinking about giving some leverage to teams for obvious missed calls instead of thinking about putting one face-off dot in each zone down the middle for example (I can’t believe someone actually thought this one up).Seeing the Avs being called for a penalty as Wilson’s is bleeding all over the ice is just frustrating. They want players to be accountable for their sticks ALL of the time, even when falling down and glazing someones chin, then go all the way, and check replays when blood is involved.Anyways, congrats to Budaj. Not a great win, but still a win.

puckchuck

Not a great win? Down 3 times in Detroit and come back to win in the shoot out on national TV. What is a great win if this is not? The only down side to this game was having to see the ugly mug of the mindless McCarty shed his “commentary”. The entire broadcast truly did seem like a tribute to the Wings.

Guest

A great win would have been by a 2 to 3 goal margin, with only 1 to 2 goals against. But can’t argue that it was an important win giving all the circumstances. As for the broadcast, the wings are riding on their past success, and until they have a couple of mediocre seasons, things will stay this way. They better hope Howard is the real deal if they want to make it last some more.

Guest

Now we’re going to criticize the team for not winning BY ENOUGH goals? Good grief.

Guest

I’m not criticizing, just saying it wasn’t a GREAT win in my opinion. They battled back and never gave up, THAT was great. But you can’t rely on scoring 5 goals a game to win, their goals against must drop.

Guest

I’m not criticizing, just saying it wasn’t a GREAT win in my opinion. They battled back and never gave up, THAT was great. But you can’t rely on scoring 5 goals a game to win, their goals against must drop.

Guest

Now we’re going to criticize the team for not winning BY ENOUGH goals? Good grief.

Smell the Glove

I think on some level it was a tribute to the Wings, but also the history of these two teams.

It’s a little tough for an Avs fan to watch when a broadcast plays up the past of the Wings but they’ve got McCarty on the panel, Maltby retiring and The Rivalry as the storyline- in the oldest arena in the league.

The fact that the Wings have been Stanley Cup contenders (and winners) for the last decade and a very pro Red Wings broadcast only makes me prouder as an Avs fan that we came out on top.

The Avs will get their name in the discussion if they keep playing like that.

jimbo

Jones is on that panel too, folks, and he played in Colorado right in the midst of the fiercest part of that rivalry. It’s not as if it’s all Wings, all the time. I did think they played up Maltby’s retirement a bit much, but considering it happened that very day, I guess it makes sense.

Smell the Glove

Just to clarify, I didn’t mind it. I mean, like it or not they earned it.

Maltby earned it too

jimbo

Understood. I meant to respond generally, sorry if it seemed I was responding directly to you there, StG.

I think it’s a two-part thing… the broadcasts are going to be geared a bit towards the team assumed to be the one drawing the audience, and Avs fans are probably over-sensitive to perceived slights of their team, especially when Detroit’s the opponent.

I don’t think it’s a big deal… and I like McCarty, he’s not your typical commentator trying to be something he’s not (other than a guy who wears a suit, that is).

jimbo

Understood. I meant to respond generally, sorry if it seemed I was responding directly to you there, StG.

I think it’s a two-part thing… the broadcasts are going to be geared a bit towards the team assumed to be the one drawing the audience, and Avs fans are probably over-sensitive to perceived slights of their team, especially when Detroit’s the opponent.

I don’t think it’s a big deal… and I like McCarty, he’s not your typical commentator trying to be something he’s not (other than a guy who wears a suit, that is).

Smell the Glove

Just to clarify, I didn’t mind it. I mean, like it or not they earned it.

Maltby earned it too

Icewors77

Jones finished with the Phillies and he hasn’t been very pro-avs since he came to versus. he has certainly talked up the flyers, though…..

Icewors77

Jones finished with the Phillies and he hasn’t been very pro-avs since he came to versus. he has certainly talked up the flyers, though…..

jimbo

Jones is on that panel too, folks, and he played in Colorado right in the midst of the fiercest part of that rivalry. It’s not as if it’s all Wings, all the time. I did think they played up Maltby’s retirement a bit much, but considering it happened that very day, I guess it makes sense.

Smell the Glove

I think on some level it was a tribute to the Wings, but also the history of these two teams.

It’s a little tough for an Avs fan to watch when a broadcast plays up the past of the Wings but they’ve got McCarty on the panel, Maltby retiring and The Rivalry as the storyline- in the oldest arena in the league.

The fact that the Wings have been Stanley Cup contenders (and winners) for the last decade and a very pro Red Wings broadcast only makes me prouder as an Avs fan that we came out on top.

The Avs will get their name in the discussion if they keep playing like that.

puckchuck

Not a great win? Down 3 times in Detroit and come back to win in the shoot out on national TV. What is a great win if this is not? The only down side to this game was having to see the ugly mug of the mindless McCarty shed his “commentary”. The entire broadcast truly did seem like a tribute to the Wings.

Guest

Can the league start thinking about giving some leverage to teams for obvious missed calls instead of thinking about putting one face-off dot in each zone down the middle for example (I can’t believe someone actually thought this one up).Seeing the Avs being called for a penalty as Wilson’s is bleeding all over the ice is just frustrating. They want players to be accountable for their sticks ALL of the time, even when falling down and glazing someones chin, then go all the way, and check replays when blood is involved.Anyways, congrats to Budaj. Not a great win, but still a win.

Iandickie

Something needs to be done with the PP I believe we have given up more shorties than have scored PP. But man you can’t say that we don’t compete every shift. Great comeback I thought we were done after it was 4-3. If we play like that will be in 5 or 6 in the conference, maybe even win a round in the playoffs. Duchene looked great again it would be nice if him and jones clicked. When we were hemmed in our zone tonight we did a much better job at keeping things to the outside. Lets go win 2 of 3 in NYC!

Iandickie

Something needs to be done with the PP I believe we have given up more shorties than have scored PP. But man you can’t say that we don’t compete every shift. Great comeback I thought we were done after it was 4-3. If we play like that will be in 5 or 6 in the conference, maybe even win a round in the playoffs. Duchene looked great again it would be nice if him and jones clicked. When we were hemmed in our zone tonight we did a much better job at keeping things to the outside. Lets go win 2 of 3 in NYC!

Iandickie

Something needs to be done with the PP I believe we have given up more shorties than have scored PP. But man you can’t say that we don’t compete every shift. Great comeback I thought we were done after it was 4-3. If we play like that will be in 5 or 6 in the conference, maybe even win a round in the playoffs. Duchene looked great again it would be nice if him and jones clicked. When we were hemmed in our zone tonight we did a much better job at keeping things to the outside. Lets go win 2 of 3 in NYC!

Anonymous

Hey AD, I’ll be at the games at MSG and Nassau. Haven’t been able to see the Avs in person since opening night last season. If I see you I’ll be sure to say hi.

Anonymous

Hey AD, I’ll be at the games at MSG and Nassau. Haven’t been able to see the Avs in person since opening night last season. If I see you I’ll be sure to say hi.

Anonymous

Hey AD, I’ll be at the games at MSG and Nassau. Haven’t been able to see the Avs in person since opening night last season. If I see you I’ll be sure to say hi.

Sol_autut

go Avs go…

Sol_autut

go Avs go…

Anonymous

Just great to see an Avs team that never gives up. If this were the 2008-2009 team, they would’ve folded like cheap lawn chairs after Datsyuk scored to make it 3-1. Even the star-studded Avs rosters had points where they gave up because they relied too heavily on their talent.

PP obviously is still a concern giving up 2 official SHGs in 2 games and 1 unofficial. It just looked flaccid out there in all facets. Thankfully they overcame it for one evening but that definitely won’t be the case every time.

Oh, and great game from Jones!

Anonymous

Just great to see an Avs team that never gives up. If this were the 2008-2009 team, they would’ve folded like cheap lawn chairs after Datsyuk scored to make it 3-1. Even the star-studded Avs rosters had points where they gave up because they relied too heavily on their talent.

PP obviously is still a concern giving up 2 official SHGs in 2 games and 1 unofficial. It just looked flaccid out there in all facets. Thankfully they overcame it for one evening but that definitely won’t be the case every time.

Oh, and great game from Jones!

Anonymous

Just great to see an Avs team that never gives up. If this were the 2008-2009 team, they would’ve folded like cheap lawn chairs after Datsyuk scored to make it 3-1. Even the star-studded Avs rosters had points where they gave up because they relied too heavily on their talent.

PP obviously is still a concern giving up 2 official SHGs in 2 games and 1 unofficial. It just looked flaccid out there in all facets. Thankfully they overcame it for one evening but that definitely won’t be the case every time.

The referees have dropped their consitency since post lockout era. I cant stand it.. Where was the high sticking penalty on Modano going down and taking wilsons nose apart?!… thats just one of many situations where theyve dropped the ball…. And what baout Jonesey’s disallowed goal against the Flyers?! No review?! my flippin foot..

jimbo

They definitely missed the high-stick on Modano, but calls like that have been missed by refs for 50 years. The refs simply can’t see everything.

You really lose some steam when you bring up Jones’ non-goal, though, which was so clearly the correct call by the refs that it pretty much kills your argument that they are no good.

The referees have dropped their consitency since post lockout era. I cant stand it.. Where was the high sticking penalty on Modano going down and taking wilsons nose apart?!… thats just one of many situations where theyve dropped the ball…. And what baout Jonesey’s disallowed goal against the Flyers?! No review?! my flippin foot..

jimbo

They definitely missed the high-stick on Modano, but calls like that have been missed by refs for 50 years. The refs simply can’t see everything.

You really lose some steam when you bring up Jones’ non-goal, though, which was so clearly the correct call by the refs that it pretty much kills your argument that they are no good.

Now sure what that has to do with Dater being a closet Wings fan but whatever…I hope your water heater breaks…and stuff. :D

I agree that the refs have sucked! Philly stole that game and modano should have taken a penalty for the stick to the face.

Marcusthegreat14

i hope your car starts burning oil.. Go Avs…

The referees have dropped their consitency since post lockout era. I cant stand it.. Where was the high sticking penalty on Modano going down and taking wilsons nose apart?!… thats just one of many situations where theyve dropped the ball…. And what baout Jonesey’s disallowed goal against the Flyers?! No review?! my flippin foot..

Also – if the Versus guys were “rooting” fot the Wings, it’s because the Wings have been relevant the last handful of years with their recent Stanley Cup titles. Lately, the Avs have not been. Get over it.

Matt

That shootout was a prime example for why the shootout sucks.

Round after round of fake penalty shots is boring as hell.

Also – if the Versus guys were “rooting” fot the Wings, it’s because the Wings have been relevant the last handful of years with their recent Stanley Cup titles. Lately, the Avs have not been. Get over it.

Matt

That shootout was a prime example for why the shootout sucks.

Round after round of fake penalty shots is boring as hell.

Also – if the Versus guys were “rooting” fot the Wings, it’s because the Wings have been relevant the last handful of years with their recent Stanley Cup titles. Lately, the Avs have not been. Get over it.

Icewords77

I thought my husband was going to blast the television with all the Red Wings rah-rah by the announcers. Good grief.
It’s always good for the team to get a win against the bad wings, and the avs deserved the win – it’s tough to go back to back and finish against the wings in their barn. nice job by boods in net – even though AD doesn’t seem to think he played that well – how long has it been since he actually started a game???? It’s nice to see the scoring get passed up and down all the lines. Good job by the forwards – now if they could just stop a PK from getting a goal!!

Icewords77

I thought my husband was going to blast the television with all the Red Wings rah-rah by the announcers. Good grief.
It’s always good for the team to get a win against the bad wings, and the avs deserved the win – it’s tough to go back to back and finish against the wings in their barn. nice job by boods in net – even though AD doesn’t seem to think he played that well – how long has it been since he actually started a game???? It’s nice to see the scoring get passed up and down all the lines. Good job by the forwards – now if they could just stop a PK from getting a goal!!

Icewords77

I thought my husband was going to blast the television with all the Red Wings rah-rah by the announcers. Good grief.
It’s always good for the team to get a win against the bad wings, and the avs deserved the win – it’s tough to go back to back and finish against the wings in their barn. nice job by boods in net – even though AD doesn’t seem to think he played that well – how long has it been since he actually started a game???? It’s nice to see the scoring get passed up and down all the lines. Good job by the forwards – now if they could just stop a PK from getting a goal!!

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.

Chambers covers college and professional hockey for The Denver Post. He has written for the Post since 1994, after dumping his first 9-to-5 office job a couple years out of college. He primarily follows the University of Denver hockey team and helps cover the Avalanche.